Nearly 10% of all worldwide CO2 emissions come from tourism-related activities. At Papillon, we are dedicated to offsetting our carbon footprint. As the world’s longest-running and most experienced Grand Canyon air tour operator, we have the privilege of witnessing the majesty of the desert Southwest and its diverse wildlife. We understand the critical importance of preserving this natural beauty and mitigating the impact of human activity on these fragile environments.

Our founder, Elling Halvorson, pioneered the development of quiet technology to minimize disruptions to the Grand Canyon’s natural landscape and its inhabitants. Halvorson is revered as one of the innovative pioneers of the helicopter industry. He co-founded the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), a program where members choose to abide by additional regulations for operational procedures beyond the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration. Today, the “Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award” is named for our founder and recognizes extraordinary achievements in aviation and aerospace.

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond sightseeing. Through our utility division, our pilots gain experience in vital tasks such as wildlife surveying and forest fire management. We volunteer our aircraft and pilots to assist with forest fire containment and control, and we are contracted to support national parks nationwide in their preservation efforts. We strive to ensure our passengers feel good about their journeys across the desert Southwest. Our mission is to preserve this landscape while sharing its beauty with visitors from around the world. By choosing Papillon, you support our ongoing efforts to protect and restore the environment we cherish.

We are proud to partner with Cool Effect, contributing to charitable causes that offset the carbon footprint of the tourism industry. If you share our passion for nature, we invite you to learn more about our partnership and consider making a contribution.